For Stereo Feeds
You could use insert cables which are two TS plugs at one end and one TRS at the other. The TS plugs would go to the Aux Outs and the TRS plug would go to HM-800 Aux In. Shorting what would be the ring on the output will not cause any harm, as the manual indicates that the aux outputs are impedance balanced*. You don't have to worry about the impedance difference.
* Looking at the specs in the manual for the X18 Air on page 32, it says "6 TRS, balanced impedance" which implies the aux outputs are simply impedance balanced and, thus, shorting the ring to ground is completely innocuous.
For Mono Feeds
You can use simple TS to TS cables and engage the mono switches on the HM-800.
The mixer only allows 6 aux mono outs, in the band we are 5 musicians, so in order to send 5 stereo mixes I would need 10 aux mono outs or at least 8 if I include the main mix
Stereo Plus More Me [Won't work with HM-800]
Well, here's an idea for you as stereo in-ear mixes are really nice to have. It will take some negotiations/compromise.
1. Create a stereo monitor mix that works for someone in the band. That's two of your Aux outputs.
2. Use each of the four remaining aux outputs as a mono "more me" send to the other four headphone channels.
3. Each user can then mix in "more me" as they desire on the headphone amp.
Just a thought. I helped a band with limited resources work this out and it actually ended up working out really well. We did have to find the person that wanted to the most balanced "main monitor mix" that became the other four members baseline mix that they then added "more me" too. In the end three people were actually using only the "main monitor mix" (no added "more me").
Having the stereo feed was key to helping keep things separated. Nothing was panned full left and full right, but just enough off center to give separation. Bass was centered and then vocals and guitars panned as per stage position. Only the slightest touch of drums were in the in-ears just to add back a bit of definition lost from hearing the drums acoustically through the ear plugs (i.e., in-ears).
EDIT: And, having said all that, I just realized the HM-800 does not have mix knobs to mix the main and aux inputs like the HM-400. How sad. I would recommend the ART HeadAmp 6 to rectify that situation. Great device.
I'll be honest, mono in-ear feeds kinda suck. Is there any chance at all three people would survive on the same stereo mix? Or two on one stereo mix, two on another, and one gets their own?
- John
